R&F Yingkai Square

Guangzhou, China

Located in
Guangzhou’s new city center of Zujiang, R&F Yingkai Square emerges as part
of a larger master plan of mixed-use towers that collectively signify the
stature of Guangzhou as a major metropolitan city. The simple yet iconic form
of the tower traces inspiration from the abundant local bamboo plants, rising
296 meters and defined by the building’s asymmetrically carved corners as well
as the veining of vertical strips on the façade that provide a sense of visual
movement. The strips compress and stretch as they rise, starting more dense at
the base to enhance the sense of gravity. The Park Hyatt Guangzhou hotel
occupies the building's uppermost floors, with office space below and subway
connections below grade.

While the
tower internalizes its functions into a singular expression, the design is
greatly born of its context. The square tower massing respects the geometric
rigidity of the street grid, helping to form urban rooms in conjunction with
the neighboring parcel. The pinching language created by carving out the
corners highlights the unique views available at various heights through and
over neighboring structures, while the diagonal extensions of the site relate to the adjacent central green and nearby Pearl River Delta.

The building
is at once connected to the urban street life around it while balanced with an
intimacy required for a luxury hotel experience. The hotel drop-off and arrival
sequence is choreographed to emphasize a sense of calm, with a warm, neutral
palette punctuated by sculptures that aid in orientation. An infinity-edge pool
on level 60 runs the length of one side of the building, overlooking the
panoramic views of the Guangzhou skyline. A signature outdoor roof garden on
level 70 offers similar sweeping views while providing an inviting space to
dine and relax.